Residents of Rampu Ward in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, said that despite the junta’s arrests of drug dealers in the area, drug trafficking and sales continue.
On the afternoon of May 17, about 90 police personnel and security forces carried out surprise raids at different sites in Rampu Ward and arrested drug dealers.
The junta claimed to have arrested more than 70 drug dealers during the operation, but locals argued none of the major distributors were among those detained and called for authorities to arrest them as well.
“The big ones were not among those arrested, so drug dealing is still continuing. Since the crackdown, open street sales have stopped for now, but the major distributors should also be arrested,” a Myitkyina resident said.
Most of those arrested were small-scale drug dealers who earn commissions from larger distributors by selling drugs on the street, while the major players are still operating safely behind the scenes, he added.
In addition, authorities often tip off major dealers ahead of raids as part of a compromise, giving them time to prepare and avoid arrest.
On May 9, firefighters used loudspeakers mounted on a light truck to announce the launch of a 100-day drug eradication campaign in Rampu Ward. Two drug users were arrested following the announcement. The junta later carried out the crackdown on May 17 after drug dealing reportedly resumed as usual in the ward.
“During the crackdown, drug dealers quieted down for a while but usually became active again after a short period. The junta may have been able to root them out, but it did not make any real, concrete effort,” another Myitkyina resident told KNG.
Locals suggested that authorities should focus their crackdown on drug dealers—especially major distributors who rent houses and apartments to run their operations—rather than targeting the users.
Currently, zones 22, 23, and 24 of Rampu Ward are reported to be hotspots for drug trafficking and drug use. In these areas, drug dealers are present day and night, with hundreds of buyers coming and going each day, according to locals.
In addition, locals alleged that some powerful individuals in the area are involved in drug trafficking, and that police often strike deals with dealers or accept bribes, making it difficult to file complaints.
Before the coup, Rampu Ward was considered peaceful and safe, but since then, rising drug use has been linked to monthly incidents of theft and robbery, as well as overdose deaths.
Some locals have called for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to intervene and address the drug problem. However, the area remains under strong junta control, making it difficult for the KIA and allied groups to take effective action, an observer explained.
